Floods caused by heavy rains have caused devastation in the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir. National Highway 244 has been closed in Doda district, while a hydroelectric power project in Kishtwar has been heavily damaged. The administration has appealed to the people to remain alert.
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [भारत]July 6 (ANI): Floods caused by heavy rains caused widespread destruction in the Chenab valley on Monday. This affected road connectivity in Doda district and also damaged the infrastructure of the 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district.
In Doda district, National Highway 244 was closed due to flood water and debris near Premnagar, leading to complete traffic standstill. Many vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the highway while officials worked to restore connectivity. This closure also affected the ongoing annual Machail Yatra. Authorities have advised pilgrims and travelers to avoid the route until it is declared safe.
Huge loss to power project in Kishtwar
At the same time, due to floods in Kishtwar district, the 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project suffered huge losses. At the Tailrace Tunnel (TRT) site, there was a strong flow of water and mud, burying several vehicles under debris and damaging the project infrastructure. Rescue and debris removal work is underway while officials take stock of the damage.
Situation serious on National Highway
Speaking to ANI, NHIDCL Highways Manager Sunny Padha described the situation in Premnagar as serious and said immediate action was taken to clear the road.
“Actually, this is Neeraj Prem Nagar, near Kalka Mata Mandir; my car was parked there. I got a call in the morning informing me that my car was there. When I reached, the atmosphere was very scary; there was a massive flood there. I also have a video of it. Since I work here – I am the highway manager of this area – I immediately called an excavator and a JCB to the spot and cleared the traffic, but the scene of the morning flood in words “Can’t be explained.”
Gates of Baglihar Dam opened, administration on alert
Authorities are continuing restoration work in the affected areas and have appealed to people to avoid traveling through flood-affected areas until the situation improves and roads are declared safe.
Earlier, three gates of Baglihar Dam in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir were opened after the water level of Chenab river rose significantly due to incessant rains in Doda-Kishtwar region. The administration has said that it is continuously monitoring the weather conditions and river flow, and all concerned departments are on alert to deal with any emergency. (ANI)
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